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Music
The main stage at Hardwick Festival is packed with big-name artists. The Saturday and Sunday headliners are The Kooks and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Joining them are guitar hero Johnny Marr, alt-rock heroes The Vaccines, indie legends The Cribs, and pop favorite Melanie C. On Friday, Haçienda Classical takes the stage, offering a magnificent celebration of the iconic Manchester club with an orchestrated twist. This unique performance includes a continuous live DJ set, featuring the era’s biggest tracks, accompanied by a full orchestra, choir, and guest vocalists.
The weekend at Hardwick Festival is packed with dance music for enthusiasts. On Saturday, the renowned New York DJ and remixer, Dennis Ferrer, brings his signature blend of house and soulful techno to the dance-focused Courtyard stage. Sunday’s headliner is the influential house music artist, Low Steppa. The bill also includes Sam Devine, the ‘First Lady’ of Defected Records, and BBC Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free. Craig Charles and his beloved Funk & Soul Club will electrify the main stage on Friday with a contagious mix of classic funk, soul, and disco.

The Hardwick Festival, the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, remains devoted to promoting the local music scene by featuring top emerging talent from the region. This year, the Treehouse Arena will host performances by Andrew Cushin, The Pale White, Liam Fender, Tom A Smith, and The Redroom, showcasing their promising skills.
Experience a delightful trip down memory lane with the retro charm of the ’70s and ’80s at Boogie Wonderland. Get ready for a relaxed atmosphere and hammock lounging as you dive into the captivating world of Into The Forest.
Family Friendly
Renowned for its welcoming environment and picturesque location, this event caters to families and provides a wide range of incredible experiences suitable for all age groups. Situated amidst lush woodlands, the dedicated children’s area offers an abundance of entertaining activities, including magic shows, ventriloquists, Punch & Judy performances, engaging workshops, interactive discos, and an exciting fun fair. From large inflatable slides and merry-go-rounds for younger children to dodgems and thrilling fairground rides for adults, there are amusement options available for everyone.
Urban Kaos is bringing back their well-loved ‘Club Groovy’ kids dance party to Hardwick. This time, they’re introducing a fresh theme that will engage both children and adults with timeless dance moves and exciting party games. It’s an enjoyable event for everyone involved!
Comedy & Other Activities
Here are a few acts this year: Maple Staplegun (Australia) presents an award-winning comedy hula hoop show that humorously depicts the challenges of being a modern, middle-aged woman. Dandyman (Australia) is an award-winning physical comedian, circus artist, Vaudevillian, and absurdist who recently dazzled audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe. Additionally, Sublimit, a Japanese circus duo, will showcase their incredible high-level skills on their debut visit to the north.
Food & Drink
Hardwick offers a wide range of delectable street food options. You can enjoy Indian, Greek, Hog Roast BBQ, the Vegan Supper Club, an afternoon tea tent, and typical festival favorites like mac&cheese, pizza, donuts, noodles, and wraps.
Bars offer an extensive selection of beverages to cater to various preferences, including:
At Colonel Porter’s Marquee, you’ll find a variety of gins, rums, beers, ciders, Taittinger Champagne, real ale, Pimm’s, cocktails, and a main 25-meter bar. We also offer a bus bar, as well as tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
Getting There
The car park is located in Hardwick East Park and will be well-marked. Access to the car park is through the mini roundabout across from the entrance to Hardwick Park on the A177.
Book coaches via jhcoaches.com
Tickets
The Hardwick Festival is a highly affordable family event in the area. Children aged 3 to 11 can get weekend tickets for just £35 (plus booking fee), while young people aged 12 to 17 can join with their parents or guardian for £80 (+ bf), which is half the price of an adult ticket. Tickets are available for individual days or the entire weekend, and camping options are offered on-site.
Hardwick Festival will take place from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield.
Tickets for the full weekend are priced at £160 (+bf) for adults, £80 (+bf) for ages 11-17 and £35 (+bf) for ages 3-11.
Tickets for individual days are also available to buy, ranging from £39 to £69 for adult tickets.
For more information and to buy tickets, head to: hardwickfestival.ticketline.co.uk